Drove across the causeway and seen open water to the south and to the north. There is some shoreline ice forming in places but still lots of open water. Went through the park and right about where the ski hill is and and south from there the whole lake is locked up as far as I could see.went down the boat launches and walked out 10-15 feet and spudded a hole to find 1-2 “ of ice. So it could be fishable 3-5 “ by next weekend in that area if the weather holds. Did not bother checking out the north end but I would suspect still open with the wind direction the way it’s been. Someone else might chime in on that. Anyway I’m hopeful for next weekend.

All my gears were passed the test late afternoon today. I found 4" of black ice at the south end of Blackstrap, and 1" of fluffy snow cover. Ice was slightly thinner by the shore (~3.5"). Have fun and safe weekend

good job T.F. nice way to start off the hard water season. had plans for today myself but the crazy wind says otherwise. geared up for tomorrow. unless of course the wind dies down for a late afternoon fish..lol

Met a buddy out today. Had a good 41/2-5 inches of hard black ice. Fished in 10-23 FOW. Was seeing some good marks in the 12’ range. We guessed they were whitefish. Managed to “break the ice” sorry, and connected on a eater walleye in 22 FOW. Great to be out there. We were only 50 yards of shore.

got out yesterday for a few hours mostly in safe ice search mode checking different areas. was finding safe 5-6" in most places on the south end of the lake . there is some bad/weak ice around in places so take your time. lack of snow on the lake helps. going for an evening fish tonight.

Got out for a few hours tonight on Evans road it was a beautiful evening to be out. Bite was slow or non existent for the first 1 1/2 hours then started showing up around 5. Ended the evening with 3 walleye 1 keeper 2 released missed 1or2 and to my amazement a burbot on the flag...lol it was also released. Great evening.

Went out this afternoon on a whim. Met up with Rip. We were getting lots of marks on the flasher but nothing committed. Thanks to him and a couple others BAHDS who helped me out getting my van back up the hill to the main road on the parking lot.

Went out this afternoon on a whim. Met up with Rip. We were getting lots of marks on the flasher but nothing committed. Thanks to him and a couple others BAHDS who helped me out getting my van back up the hill to the main road on the parking lot.

My van gave me a lot of scares over the years, and extra work for fellow fishermen.

It was a breezy chilly Saturday morning but all was forgotten after settling in the flip and cranking on the heat. started fishing around 9 and some decent marks were showing up soon after. And continued on pretty well most of the day. Most were non commital Finished up the day around 4pm with a couple nice eyes to take home and 1 released and a few that were on but didn’t make the trip to the top of the ice. And a few pike also that were released. Had a great day.. looking forward to tomorrow morning.

Went out yesterday and fished 3 hours at the North end, then drove over to the boat launched for a hour. 15 perch and missed couple Walleye.Driving to the strap all the flags were hanging straight down. Upon arrival someone turned on the fans, and as Rip mentioned it was breezy.

Does everyone agree with me that the ice is a good 9 to 10 inches in the areas that you were fishing?

Yes I agree 9-10” over at Blackrock also. Little rough with some sheet Ice heaved up just off the shore but nothing serious. Shouldn’t effect the drive on when it’s thick enough to do so.need snow to pack the approach up on the shoreline. On the fishing side of it this morning I was set up at 7 and was seeing marks coming in around 8. Hooked up on a nice 23” walleye early on and a couple smaller eyes all before 9. From then on 4 pike were caught and released and more of the same no commitment walleyes. Left at 11. 1/8 oz silver flutter spoon tipped with a minnow head has been working the best for me. Tried everything else on those tight lipped walleyes with same result. oh yeah I Did catch a small walleye on the bobber. Will definitely be going back again.

Yes I agree 9-10” over at Blackrock also. Little rough with some sheet Ice heaved up just off the shore but nothing serious. Shouldn’t effect the drive on when it’s thick enough to do so. On the fishing side of it this morning I was set up at 7 and was seeing marks coming in around 8. Hooked up on a nice 23” walleye early on and a couple smaller eyes all before 9. From then on 4 pike were caught and released and more of the same no commitment walleyes. Left at 11. 1/8 oz silver flutter spoon tipped with a minnow head has been working the best for me. Tried everything else on those tight lipped walleyes with same result. oh yeah I Did catch a small walleye on the bobber. Will definitely be going back again.

Rip, are you saying we should be able to drive on the ice in that back bay were the heave was last year once the ice is safe?

well right now there’s a pretty decent drop off where the access is on to the lake. And as mentioned about the layering sheet ice close to shore not right at shore and ice being 9-10” out towards the mouth of the bay I’m still walking on for awhile yet. Or with the snowmobile

Thanks Rip. Sounds like it is the same as last year with the big drop off. I thought someone maybe someone did some dirt moving and made it level to the ice, so a person could drive on. Doesn't sound like we will be able to access the lake through the back bay. Will have to come on at the North end and drive over, which isn't a problem. It was nice though when a person started the morning on the South end (Evans road or boat launch), and then was easier to just drive to the back bay and get on there vs driving all the way to the North end and then back up the ice.

I didn't make a trip to the strap during the summer, was the water low? And did it come back up before freeze up? If so, I can understand the big drop off from the shoreline making it not accessible to drive on.